Welcome to Your Psychotherapist
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What is
Psychotherapy?
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy aims to help a person understand their feelings and equip them to face new challenges, both in the present and the future.
Psychotherapy is similar to counselling, and the two can overlap. However, the former tends to look more deeply, addressing the underlying causes of a person’s problems as well as how to solve them.
To see positive results, a person will usually need to understand the need for change and be willing to follow the treatment plan as the specialist advises. They will also need to find a suitable therapist they can trust.
Who Can Benefit?
Psychotherapy is similar to counselling, and the two can overlap. However, the former tends to look more deeply, addressing the underlying causes of a person’s problems as well as how to solve them.
To see positive results, a person will usually need to understand the need for change and be
willing to follow the treatment plan as the specialist advises. They will also need to find a suitable therapist they can trust.
Risks and Cautions
starting. The following sections will outline these in more detail.
Unexpected effects
During psychotherapy, some people may experience changes they had not expected or did not want.
Recalling past events can sometimes trigger unwanted emotions. Addressing and resolving these emotions is an integral part of therapy, but it can be challenging.
It is essential to find a trusted and qualified psychotherapist who is skilled at guiding people through these situations in a constructive way.
Most people feel better because of therapy, but it can take time to work — and sometimes, the approach the therapist takes is not suitable. In fact, according to some research, around 10% of people feel worse after starting therapy. Some experts have expressed concerns about potentially harmful therapies. These could be techniques that leave a person feeling worse rather than better or approaches that may slow an individual’s progress.
Some approaches may not have enough research evidence to support their use. In some cases, the approach or “chemistry” between the individual and the therapist may not be suitable.
However, if the practitioner monitors the person’s progress regularly and asks for feedback, the risk of therapy not working or having a negative impact will be lower.
Using an interpreter
Not everyone can find a psychotherapist who speaks their primary language. This can pose a challenge for people who are already at a disadvantage in society.
One option is to find an interpreter, but it is essential to find someone who understands the complex issues that treatment is likely to involve.
Ideally, the person should also have the skills and training necessary for managing the specific dynamics the relationship will involve.
Cost in time and money
During psychotherapy, some people may experience changes they had not expected or did not want.Psychotherapy can be expensive and time consuming. This is another reason that it is essential to find a qualified practitioner.
If a health professional considers treatment necessary, the Mental Health Parity Act requires that insurance companies pay for mental healthcare in a similar way to paying for physical medical care.
It is worth noting that the definitions of “reasonable and appropriate” or “medically necessary” may vary.